Modular Wireless Power, Light and Automation Control

ABSTRACT

A device and method for controlling a host apparatus ( 300 ) through a wireless link with a personal controller ( 10 ). The device includes a wireless communications module ( 202 ) configured to communicate with personal controller ( 10 ) via a peer-to-peer communications standard. The device connects to host apparatus ( 300 ) via a plug and receptacle interface ( 206 ) which includes power and signal pins. The device simulates an actuation signal using a reed relay ( 216 ) to cause host apparatus ( 300 ) to perform a function.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/398,120, which is a national phase entry of PCT/AU2013/000260, filedMar. 15, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNos. 61/641,166, filed 1 May 2012; 61/652,485, filed 29 May 2012;61/678,020, filed 31 Jul. 2012; and 61/678,810, filed 2 Aug. 2012. Theentire contents of each of the above-identified applications is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a system of interchangeablewireless communications and control modules for domestic and commercialdevices that allow a standard smartphone, tablet or similar item to actas a personal controller using a wireless peer-to-peer communicationslink and/or a wireless local area network.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Many residential and commercial buildings have electrical power, lights,doors, gates, shutters, awnings and blind mechanisms that can beoperated or programmed using buttons, switches or remote controls.Current methods of wireless control involve handheld devices thattypically use sub-1 GHz technologies to send open/close, on/off, orother commands to a receiver integrated into the main mechanism of adevice. On receiving a remote control command, the mechanism may,amongst other actions, open or close a door, raise or lower a blind,turn lights on or off, or control the flow of power.

In recent years, the proliferation of smartphones has placed powerfulcomputing devices in the hands of the public. While these devices cangenerate and transmit wireless control commands, their generic wirelesssystems are not compatible with the standards currently used in domesticor commercial appliances and mechanisms, so they cannot nativelycommunicate with such in order to execute a command. The ability todeploy a universal communication method is frustrated by the fact thatthere exist multiple smartphone operating systems that have differentcommunication capabilities, or may be optimized to more efficiently usedifferent communication standards to other operating systems. This makesit difficult to specify a single communication standard suitable forembedding in power, light, door, gate, awning or blind systems thatcould work ubiquitously with all smartphones across all applications.

Smartphones typically have an operational life of two years whilecontrollable power, light, door, gate, awning and blind mechanismsusually have an operational life greater than ten years. The rapidturnover of smartphones places pressure on manufacturers to continuallyimprove each successive generation. Smartphones therefore tend tointegrate the latest communication technology in order to remaincompetitive. With no unified standard specifying a generic smartphonecommunication platform, the communication technology one manufacturerchooses may not be adopted by all manufacturers. Alternately, onemanufacturer may choose to add restrictions around their communicationcapabilities that others do not, or may adopt new technology that is notcompatible with previous standards.

It can be appreciated that manufacturers of controllable power, light,door, gate, shutter, awning and blind mechanisms may find it highlyadvantageous for customers to control their products natively from asmartphone. The problem is that integrating the enabling technology hasa cost, which increases as more components are required to address thedifferent communication capabilities across different smartphoneoperating systems and handset configurations in the market. This iscompounded by the fact that the long operational life of power, light,door, gate, awning and blind mechanisms results in a high probabilitythat any embedded communication standard may become obsolete before theend of the operational life of the mechanism.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, the system utilizes three parts: aninterchangeable module with control and wireless communicationcapabilities; an interface connection adapted to supply power andexchange commands and information with an interchangeable module; and abattery powered personal controller able to communicate with aninterchangeable module via a wireless communications link. It will beappreciated that reference herein to “preferred” or “preferably” isintended as exemplary only.

The interchangeable module is preferably configured to operate as anadaptable Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant and network Wi-Fidevice either individually or concurrently, using WiFi-Direct and/ornetwork Wi-Fi technologies, and may include additional support forBluetooth SIG class 2.1+EDR or later. As used herein, “network Wi-Fi”refers to the Wi-Fi Alliance definition as any “wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) products that are based on the Institute of Electricaland Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards” including anyamendments, extensions or proprietary implementations. As used herein,the term “Wi-Fi Direct” refers to a device configured to support theWi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi Direct specification and amendments, extensions orproprietary implementations of Wi-Fi peer-to-peer technology.

Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth are peer-to-peer communication technologies.Peer-to-peer communication methods that may be incorporated into theinterchangeable module are described in more detail in PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/AU2011/001666, filed Dec. 29, 2011, titled “Wireless Power,Light and Automation Control,” the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. Network Wi-Fi is a communicationtechnology that allows devices to communicate through a WLAN. Adaptablenetwork and peer-to-peer communication methods that may be incorporatedinto the interchangeable module are described in more detail in PCTApplication No. PCT/AU2012/000959, filed Aug. 15, 2012, titled“Adaptable Wireless Power, Light and Automation System” the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The personal controller is preferably a commercially available cellularor mobile phone commonly known as a smartphone that supports at leastnetwork Wi-Fi and may also support Wi-Fi Direct and/or Bluetooth and/orNear Field Communications (NFC). Unless otherwise noted, the personalcontroller will be described in terms of a smartphone, though theinvention is not so limited. For example only, the personal controllermay be any portable device which can download or install by other meansan App, have a suitable interface the user can interact with to controlthe App in order to execute required functions, and have the wirelesscommunications capability to establish communications with aninterchangeable module. Examples of personal controllers includesmartphones, tablets, laptops, ultrabooks and notebook personalcomputers.

The interchangeable module can preferably form a communications linkwith a smartphone using Wi-Fi Direct and/or network Wi-Fi. It can beappreciated that when an interchangeable module is connected to a WLAN,any smartphone with Wi-Fi capability also connected to the same WLAN canuse an appropriate App to communicate with the interchangeable module.In this way, a user can enter a command into their smartphone and sendit to the appropriate interchangeable module via the WLAN. Thesmartphone could be in the vicinity of the WLAN access point, or thesmartphone could be at a remote location and communicate with the WLANaccess point via the Internet if so configured.

It can be appreciated that an interchangeable module operating as aWi-Fi Direct access point/group participant can communicate directlywith a smartphone without the requirement of a WLAN. In this case, theinterchangeable module appears as a Wi-Fi access point or SoftAP if thesmartphone is not using Wi-Fi Direct to communicate; or if thesmartphone is using Wi-Fi Direct to communicate, the interchangeablemodule and smartphone will negotiate which assumes the Wi-Fi Directgroup owner role and establish a peer-to-peer connection. Once apeer-to-peer connection has been established, the user is able to sendcommands directly to the selected interchangeable module without theneed for any other device, intermediary or network.

The present disclosure in one preferred embodiment includes aninterchangeable module with wireless communication capabilities derivedfrom any number of radios, transceivers and controllers that provide anetwork Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connection individually or concurrentlywith the ability to optionally support Bluetooth. Depending on cost anddesired outcome, the wireless communication capabilities may be achievedby using: any number of discrete radios, aerials, transceivers andcontrollers either individually, collectively, or as a system in package(SiP) or as a system on chip (SoC); a combination or “combo” chip thataggregates the functionality of a number of discrete transceivers andcontrollers of different standards as a SiP or SoC; or using acombination of combo chip/s, SiP/s, SoC/s and/or discrete radios,aerials, transceivers and controllers. The interchangeable module mayutilize single or multiple wireless bands, physical channels, virtualchannels, modes or other coexistence technologies and algorithms, themethods of which are already known to those skilled in the art and arenot described herein. Depending on the chosen hardware components, theinterchangeable module may also include shared antenna support andshared signal receiving paths to eliminate the need for an externalsplitter.

The disclosure in another embodiment sets forth an interchangeablemodule with wireless communications that in a first mode provides aWi-Fi Direct peer-to-peer connection and in a second mode can beconfigured by the user to operate as a network Wi-Fi device and connectto a WLAN as a client.

The interchangeable module preferably has its wireless communicationsset to initially function in Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participantmode irrespective of its final configuration. Because the Wi-Fi Directaccess point/group participant mode is a peer-to-peer connection, assoon as power is applied to the interchangeable module, it can berecognised by a smartphone and a wireless communications link can beestablished. Once the link is established, the user is able to activatea smartphone App which uses the data path between the smartphone andinterchangeable module. Using a smartphone App, the user can set theoperational parameters required for a network Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Directdevice, name the device, set an encryption key, enter a password and anyother requirements. When this procedure has been completed, the user cancommand the interchangeable module to “restart”, at which time it willconfigure itself according to the parameters which have been specifiedduring the setup process.

If the user has chosen the interchangeable module to operate as a Wi-FiDirect device, it would continue to do so after the restart. Theinterchangeable module would only connect to smartphones that can fullycomply with its connection requirements before establishing acommunications link. This may include security measures in addition toany native security measures of Wi-Fi Direct such as Wi-Fi ProtectedAccess.

If the user has chosen the interchangeable module to operate as anetwork Wi-Fi device, the smartphone App would configure the necessaryparameters for the interchangeable module to connect to a WLAN. When theinterchangeable module restarts, it would connect and appear as a clientdevice on the WLAN. It would only be accessible to devices which canalso connect to the same WLAN.

In either mode, a smartphone App is preferably used control thefunctional capabilities of the interchangeable module. In network Wi-Fimode, the smartphone App communicates with the selected interchangeablemodule via a WLAN access point. In Wi-Fi Direct mode, the smartphone Appcommunicates directly with the selected interchangeable modulepeer-to-peer.

If the user has chosen the interchangeable module to operate as both aWi-Fi Direct device and network Wi-Fi device concurrently, when theinterchangeable module restarts it would appear as a client device onthe WLAN and as a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant. In thatway an interchangeable module could allow third parties to controlfunctions via a Wi-Fi Direct connection without having to allow accessto the concurrent WLAN connection, thus preventing access to other WLANdevices.

In one preferred embodiment, a Bluetooth peer-to-peer connection betweena smartphone and interchangeable module may be used to enter theinformation for configuration of the interchangeable module as a networkWi-Fi device and/or Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participantoperating either individually or concurrently.

The interface connection is preferably a physical connector designedspecifically to allow an interchangeable module to plug into areceptacle on a host device. The host device interface connection ispreferably integrated into a domestic or commercial appliance, mechanismor device where wireless communication with a smartphone is desirable,but where the permanent embedding of a wireless communication standardis not advantageous. Examples include, but are not limited to: garagedoor mechanisms, gate mechanisms, motorized blind and awning mechanisms,motorized screen mechanisms, light switches, lighting controllers, powerpoints, power control mechanisms, climate control equipment such asthermostats and air conditioning units, sprinkler and watering systems,pumps, pool filtration systems, gas metering and control equipment,peripheral computer equipment, consumer electronics, whitegoods,vehicles, and alarm systems. In one preferred embodiment, the interfaceconnection can be performed by using a Universal Serial Bus (USB)connector; however it can be appreciated that other suitable connectorscan be used without departing from the true scope and spirit of theinvention. The interface connection preferably allows commands andinformation to be passed between an interchangeable module and device atthe same time as supplying power from the device to the interchangeablemodule.

The disclosure in a further aspect sets forth a means for plugging aninterchangeable module into a domestic or commercial appliance,mechanism or device to provide a communications interface that allows astandard smartphone, tablet or similar item to act as personalcontroller through a wireless peer-to-peer communications link and/or awireless local area network.

In another aspect, the disclosure sets forth a device for controlling anelectrical apparatus through a wireless communications link with apersonal controller. The personal controller has a processor, a userinterface, and a wireless communications transceiver. The deviceincludes a wireless communications control module operable for wirelesscommunication with the personal controller. The wireless communicationscontrol module includes an aerial and a radio transceiver, the radiotransceiver being configured to communicate with the personal controllerusing a peer-to-peer communications standard. The device also includesan interface connection including at least two power pins and at leastone signal pin, the interface connection being configured to physicallyconnect to a receptacle of the electrical apparatus. The device alsoincludes a microcontroller configured to control, through the interfaceconnection, the electrical apparatus based at least in part oninstructions communicated from the personal controller through thewireless control module, the device being powered through the electricalapparatus.

In another aspect, the disclosure sets forth a device for controlling anelectrical apparatus through a wireless communications link with apersonal controller, the personal controller having a processor, a userinterface, and a wireless communications transceiver. The deviceincludes a wireless communications control module operable for wirelesscommunication with the personal controller. The wireless communicationscontrol module includes an aerial and a radio transceiver, the radiotransceiver being configured to communicate with the personal controllerusing a peer-to-peer communications standard. The device furtherincludes an interface connection including at least one signal pin, theinterface connection being configured to physically connect to areceptacle of the electrical apparatus. The device also includes amicrocontroller configured to control, through the interface connection,the electrical apparatus on based at least in part on instructionscommunicated from the personal controller through the wireless controlmodule, the microcontroller being configured to send, through at leastone of the signal pins, only an actuation signal without any data tocommunicate with the electrical apparatus to cause the electricalapparatus to perform a function.

In a further aspect, the disclosure sets forth a device for controllingan electrical apparatus through a wireless communications link with apersonal controller, the personal controller having a processor, a userinterface, and a wireless communications transceiver. The deviceincludes a wireless communications control module operable for wirelesscommunication with the personal controller, the wireless communicationscontrol module including an aerial and a radio transceiver. The devicefurther includes an interface connection including at least one signalpin, the interface connection being configured to physically connect toa receptacle of the electrical apparatus. The device also includes anelectrical relay and/or solid state relay, and a microcontrollerconfigured to control, through the interface connection, the electricalapparatus on based at least in part on instructions communicated fromthe personal controller through the wireless control module. Themicrocontroller controls the electrical relay and/or solid state relayto send an actuation signal through at least one of the signal pins tothe electrical apparatus to cause the electrical apparatus to perform afunction.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure sets forth for a method foractuating, with a wireless personal controller, an electrical apparatushaving a receptacle configured to receive a plurality of power andsignal pins. The method includes inserting into the receptacle a devicehaving an interface connection with at least two power pins and at leastone signal pin, the device including a wireless communications controlmodule and a microcontroller configured to communicate with the personalcontroller using the wireless communications control module; receiving,via the wireless communications control module, an instruction from thepersonal controller to actuate the electrical apparatus; sending nodata, but only an actuation signal to the electrical apparatus using atleast one of the signal pins to cause the electrical apparatus toperform a function in conformity with the instruction received from thepersonal controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smartphone for use in one preferredembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the functional elements of aninterchangeable module in accordance with one preferred embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the interface connection between theinterchangeable module of FIG. 2 and a host device in one preferredembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a system pictorial representation of the smartphone of FIG. 1and its interaction with the interchangeable module of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit of the invention being indicated by the claims which follow.

FIG. 1 is a perspective representation of a smartphone 10 which uses awireless link to communicate with an interchangeable module (describedin more detail below). Smartphone 10 is preferably a commerciallyavailable, conventional smartphone. Some of the basic functions thesmartphone preferably includes are: a touch sensitive graphical screeninterface 12; a compatible radio transceiver; and the ability to run anapplication program (App) specific to the individual smartphone thatprovides a control interface for the interchangeable module. In theexamples that follow, specific coding for each App has been omitted forsimplicity as a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able tounderstand and reproduce the functionality of the described embodimentswithout the need for a discussion on particular coding.

Smartphone 10 is preferably configured to operate across a range ofwireless communications technologies, including the technology tocommunicate via at least network Wi-Fi. Smartphone 10 may additionallyinclude support for Wi-Fi Direct and/or Bluetooth and/or NFC. While someexamples described herein use a smartphone as its controller, andspecifically a smartphone incorporating at least network Wi-Fi, otherwireless communications methods and systems could be used depending onthe specific requirements needed.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an interchangeable module 200 is shown.Interchangeable module 200 has wireless communications 202, perpetualclock calendar 204, interface connection 206, system microcontrollerwith embedded memory 208, an aerial 210, external data and control bus212 for communicating with a host device, and a power supply connection214. In some exemplary embodiments, it may be preferable for systemmicrocontroller 208 to support external memory in addition to, orinstead of, embedded memory.

Perpetual clock calendar 204 preferably includes a power backup by theway of a battery or supercapacitor enabling real time to be accuratelymaintained in instances where a mains power outage occurs. In somepreferred embodiments, perpetual clock calendar 204 may be omitted whereinterchangeable module 200 does not perform any time or date dependantoperations.

The commands and responses between system microcontroller 208 andsmartphone 10 are communicated through a radio frequency wireless linksupported by wireless communications 202 and aerial 210. Wirelesscommunications 202 preferably includes any number of radios,transceivers and controllers that provide a network Wi-Fi and Wi-FiDirect connection either individually or concurrently with the abilityto optionally support Bluetooth. Examples of wireless communications aredescribed in PCT Application No. PCT/AU2012/000959, filed Aug. 15, 2012.Depending on cost and the desired operational functions, wirelesscommunications 202 may include only a Wi-Fi radio, a combination ofWi-Fi radios, or a combination of Wi-Fi Radio/s and Bluetooth radio. Thewireless communication capabilities may be achieved by using: any numberof discrete radios, aerials, transceivers and controllers eitherindividually, collectively or as a SiP or SoC; a combination or “combo”chip that aggregates the functionality of a number of discretetransceivers and controllers of different standards as a SiP or SoC; orusing a combination of combo chip/s, SiP/s, SoC/s and/or discreteradios, aerials, transceivers and controllers. The interchangeablemodule may utilize single or multiple wireless bands, physical channels,virtual channels, modes or other coexistence technologies andalgorithms, the methods of which are already known to those skilled inthe art and are not described herein. Depending on the chosen hardwarecomponents, the interchangeable module may also include shared antennasupport and shared signal receiving paths to eliminate the need for anexternal splitter.

When wireless communications 202 operates according to the Wi-Fi Directspecification, it can communicate with devices that support networkWi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct on a peer-to-peer basis without the need for anyintermediary hardware. Wireless communications 202 is preferablyconfigured to operate according to the Wi-Fi Direct specification asboth a Wi-Fi Direct group participant and Wi-Fi Direct access point orSoftAP, allowing the interchangeable module to appear to network Wi-Fidevices during discovery as a Wi-Fi access point. After being discoveredas a Wi-Fi Direct access point, a Wi-Fi Direct device is able tocommunicate peer-to-peer with network Wi-Fi devices that support theIEEE 802.11 specification as amended from time to time. In thisinstance, a network Wi-Fi device will receive a device discovery messagefrom the interchangeable module as if from a Wi-Fi access point and beable to establish a peer-to-peer communications link with theinterchangeable module as though it were connecting to a Wi-Fi accesspoint. The procedure of establishing a communications link between aWi-Fi Direct device and network Wi-Fi devices are defined in the Wi-FiAlliance specifications and would be understood by practitioners skilledin communications systems protocols.

Wi-Fi Direct has a number of advantages which simplify communicationsbetween an interchangeable module and a smartphone operating as acontroller. Significant advantages include mobility and portability,where a smartphone and interchangeable module only need to be withinradio range of each other to establish a wireless communications link.Wi-Fi Direct offers secure communications through means such as Wi-FiProtected Access protocols and encryption for transported messages,ensuring the system remains secure to qualified devices. Mostimportantly, Wi-Fi Direct allows a smartphone with only network Wi-Fi toengage in peer-to-peer data exchange with an interchangeable module eventhough the smartphone network Wi-Fi was never intended to supporton-demand, peer-to-peer communications.

As smartphones continue to evolve, new models are starting to includeWi-Fi Direct support in addition to network Wi-Fi. In one exemplaryembodiment, where an interchangeable module receives a Wi-Fi Directresponse to a device discovery message, the smartphone andinterchangeable module will negotiate which device will assume the roleof group owner in accordance with the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi Directspecification, and a 1:1 or peer-to-peer Wi-Fi Direct communication linkwill be established. The Wi-Fi Direct specification allows any Wi-FiDirect device to be a group owner, and depending on the capabilities ofthe device, the negotiation procedure determines the most suitabledevice to perform this role.

System microcontroller 208 preferably incorporates a firmware programwhich defines the operation and functions of interchangeable module 200and assumes responsibility for running all program code and systemelements, including specifying the operation of wireless communications202, interrogation of the perpetual clock calendar 204, management ofthe interface connection 206, and transfer of data and control messagesto a host device through external data and control bus 212. Systemmicrocontroller 208 preferably includes a non-volatile memory to storeany program data received from the Product App. In some preferredembodiments, perpetual clock calendar 204 may be an embedded function ofsystem microcontroller 208. In some preferred embodiments, non-volatilememory may be external to system microcontroller 208. In some preferredembodiments, more than one microcontroller may be used.

When interchangeable module 200 is manufactured, system microcontroller208 preferably holds the firmware to operate interchangeable module as anetwork Wi-Fi device and Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant.When power is applied to interchangeable module for the first time,system microcontroller 208 preferably starts interchangeable module inWi-Fi Direct access point/group participant mode and begins transmittingdiscovery messages or “pings” that can be detected by a smartphonewithin wireless range.

It can be appreciated that an interchangeable module operating as aWi-Fi Direct access point/group participant can communicate directlywith a smartphone without needing a Wi-Fi WLAN. Interchangeable module200 either appears as a Wi-Fi access point if smartphone 10 is not usingWi-Fi Direct; or negotiates with smartphone 10 as to which device willassume a Wi-Fi Direct group owner role if smartphone 10 supports Wi-FiDirect. The user is then able to establish a peer-to-peer communicationslink and send commands directly to the selected interchangeable modulewithout the need for any other device.

A preferred method for controlling an interchangeable module is througha related Product App. Installation instructions for the Product App arepreferably included with the interchangeable module. The Product Apppreferably adopts the same centralized app store installation methodscommon to all smartphone platforms.

The Product App may communicate with any mix of wireless elements andradio technologies to seamlessly provide the best communications link.In one preferred embodiment, Product App may preferably controlsmartphone 10 wireless communications in order to initiate, search andestablish a wireless communications link with an interchangeable module.Product App may preferably display preconfigured and new interchangeablemodules via graphical elements on smartphone touch screen 12.

When the Product App starts, it preferably scans for interchangeablemodules and identifies any new interchangeable modules that need to beinitially configured. At this point the Product App preferably allowsthe user to establish a peer-to-peer connection with a newinterchangeable module and determine if it is: to remain a Wi-Fi Directaccess point/group participant only; connect to a WLAN as a client andbecome a network Wi-Fi device; or, where supported by wirelesscommunications 202, operate simultaneously as a Wi-Fi Direct accesspoint/group participant and network Wi-Fi device.

If the user wants the new interchangeable module to be a Wi-Fi Directdevice, they preferably select this option in the Product App. TheProduct App then leads the user through a series of data inputs usingthe smartphone's touch screen 12 as a human interface. The Product Appcommunicates with system microcontroller 208 and replaces the generalparameters used for the initial connection to specific parameters whichdefine the interchangeable module as a unique Wi-Fi Direct product.These may include: setting a unique encryption key so all data transfersbetween interchangeable module and the smartphone are protected; settingthe interchangeable module name to a unique, easily recognisableidentifier, e.g., from a product name such as “Wireless Switch” to“Garage Door”; setting the interchangeable module's unique Wi-Fi addressID so that it becomes an individual device in its own right; and settinga password in the interchangeable module used to establish a secure linkwith a smartphone.

The Product App preferably maintains a record of these specificparameters in the smartphone memory for future identification of, andconnection to, the new interchangeable module.

Once the setup procedure is complete, the Product App preferablycommands the interchangeable module firmware to “restart”. When theapplications firmware restarts, the interchangeable module will use theuser loaded data to populate and create its own unique Wi-Fi Directidentity. The smartphone which was used to set this identity will beable to automatically connect to that interchangeable module because thenew specific parameters are known. The Product App can then be used topreferably automatically establish a communications link with theinterchangeable module each time the user selects that particulardevice.

Once an interchangeable module has been configured, any other smartphonecan only connect if the user knows the specific parameters that are nowunique to that particular interchangeable module. If a second smartphonesearches for Wi-Fi access points or Wi-Fi Direct devices, it will seethe interchangeable module identified as, for example, “garage door”with the characteristic that it is “secure”. To connect to it, the userwill have to know the specific password allocated to thatinterchangeable module, otherwise it will not be able to establish acommunications link. If the password is known and entered into thesmartphone when requested, a communication link between the secondsmartphone and the interchangeable module will be established. TheProduct App is still preferably required to control the interchangeablemodule and may have additional security requirements depending on thenature of the application.

If, instead of configuring the newly installed interchangeable module asa Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant, the user chooses it to bea network Wi-Fi device, this is selected as the requested option and theProduct App determines if there are one or more WLANs available for theinterchangeable module to connect to as a client. The Product Apprequests the user to confirm the preferred network and asks the user toconfirm and/or input any necessary network parameters such as thenetwork password so the interchangeable module can connect to the WLANas a client.

The Product App, preferably via the smartphone, communicates with systemmicrocontroller 208 and sets the parameters needed for theinterchangeable module to establish itself as a network Wi-Fi device.When all of the appropriate parameters are known and updated, theProduct App commands the interchangeable module to restart its firmwareas a network Wi-Fi device. The interchangeable module then connects tothe WLAN as a client and is preferably only accessible by the smartphoneProduct App via the WLAN access point. The interchangeable modulerunning as a network Wi-Fi client can then be controlled by othersmartphones as long as they are connected to the same WLAN. In onepreferred embodiment, it may be desirable for the interchangeable moduleto include additional security measures such as password protection, aSoCket layer with the Product App, or other measures to prevent theinterchangeable module being controlled by other devices on the networkwithout authorization.

Once an interchangeable module has been configured as a Wi-Fi Directaccess point/group participant or a network Wi-Fi device, it preferablycontinues to operate in that mode even after it has been powered off.All of the specific operating parameters for each mode are preferablysaved in non-volatile memory and are retained if power is lost. Whenpower is restored, system microcontroller 208 powers up the same Wi-Fimode as was running before power was removed, and the appropriatefirmware and operating parameters are restored from non-volatile memory.

There are applications where an interchangeable module runningconcurrent Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant and network Wi-Ficapabilities is desirable. In this situation, the user via the ProductApp can activate both modes, allowing either mode to be used. Equally,the user, via the Product App, can choose to disable one of the modes,or can change the Wi-Fi mode from Wi-Fi Direct access point/groupparticipant to network Wi-Fi, or vice versa as desired.

Each time the Wi-Fi mode is changed, the parameters for the new mode arepreferably retained by system microcontroller 208 in the event power isdisconnected or lost. When power is restored, system microcontroller 208powers up in the same Wi-Fi mode as previously operating before powerwas removed, and the appropriate operating parameters are restored fromthe non-volatile memory.

It is envisaged that there may be times when an interchangeable modulemay be moved to a new host device where the current Wi-Fi mode may notbe suitable, or the original WLAN may no longer be available. TheProduct App is preferably able to communicate with an interchangeablemodule and command it to re-initialise to the factory defaultconfiguration. In this case, all user-defined parameters that wereloaded into the interchangeable module are lost and it is returned toits factory default state, ready to receive new user-defined parameters.

In one preferred embodiment, if interchangeable module is configured asa network Wi-Fi device and is unable to connect to the specified WLAN asa client, interchangeable module may automatically default to Wi-FiDirect mode in order to allow smartphone 10 to establish a peer-to-peerconnection.

The interchangeable module may incorporate a mechanical means such as abutton or switch which the user could activate to cause theinterchangeable module to re-initialise to the factory defaultconfiguration without the use of a smartphone or Product App.

In one preferred embodiment, the interchangeable module may includeBluetooth communication capabilities in addition to Wi-Fi Direct accesspoint/group participant and network Wi-Fi capabilities. A peer-to-peerBluetooth communication link between smartphone and interchangeablemodule may be used by the Product App to enter parameters forestablishing a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participant or networkWi-Fi communications link, or may in its own right operate as apeer-to-peer communications link for transfer of control commandsbetween Product App and interchangeable module. Similarly, NFC can beincluded and used where desirable.

In one preferred embodiment, the interchangeable module may incorporatea mechanical means such as a button or switch that may facilitate thesecure initialization of a peer-to-peer connection.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, in one preferred embodiment, theinterchangeable module may include an NFC tag that the Product App coulduse when first communicating with a new interchangeable module toautomatically establish a Wi-Fi Direct access point/group participantpeer-to-peer communications link on smartphones that support NFC. Thisprocess is commonly referred to as “bootstrapping” and is an establishedmethod for initializing communications known by those skilled in theart.

In one preferred embodiment, interface connection 206 may operate asconduit for the transfer of complex command and control data from systemmicrocontroller 208 to an external processor in a host device viaexternal data and control bus 212. In another preferred embodiment,interface connection 206 may operate only to vary an electrical signalelement of the external data and control bus 212 thereby causing anevent condition in a host device. By way of example only, this could beused to replicate the same condition as pushing a hardwired open/closebutton in a garage door opener.

It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performedin a different order, varied, or certain steps added or omitted entirelywithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It will alsobe appreciated by those skilled in the art that the system describedabove can be varied in many ways without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. By way of example only, elements of wirelesscommunications 202, system microcontroller 208, perpetual clock calendar204 and interface connection 206 may be aggregated into a single orvarious SoCs or SiPs.

The mechanical and electrical connection between an interchangeablemodule and host device is preferably adapted to: be extremely reliable;have adequate signal connections; be sufficiently flexible to meetdifferent system requirements; and be easy to use. There are manyelectrical plug/receptacle systems that meet these requirements, butmost are proprietary to their manufacturers or are not used universallyworldwide.

In one preferred embodiment, the plug/receptacle integrated intointerchangeable module 200 is preferably a Universal Serial Bus (USB)Standard Type A as specified by the USB Implementers Forum. The USBStandard Type A plug/receptacle specifies two power pins (Vcc andground) and two signal pins (Data + and Data −). The host devicepreferably provides the interchangeable module with power via USBStandard Type A SoCket pins 1 and 4 (see FIG. 2, 214) and accepts twocontrol signals via pins 2 and 3 (see FIG. 2, 212). Pins 2 and 3preferably connect to an electrical relay or solid state relay of whichan example is a normally open (NO) reed relay 216 in interchangeablemodule 200 that allows a circuit to be closed irrespective of thepolarity of the signal voltages from the host device. This applicationreplicates the closure of a manual pushbutton switch and allows aninterchangeable module to simulate the activation of a pushbutton inresponse to a command from a smartphone.

FIG. 3, is pictorial representation of interchangeable module 200plugged into host device 300 where interface connection 206 is via USBStandard Type A plug 302 and USB Standard Type A receptacle 304. Powerfor interchangeable module 200 is preferably provided by host device 300power supply 306 through the interconnection of pins 1 and 4 of plug 302and receptacle 304 to power regulator 218 if required. Signalconnections between control logic 308 of host device 300 and NO reedrelay 216 of interchangeable module 200 is preferably through theinterconnection of pins 2 and 3 of plug 302 and receptacle 304.

When interchangeable module 200 is plugged into host device 300 acomplete system is formed by the interconnection of plug 302 andreceptacle 304. NO reed relay 216 becomes an integral and functionalpart of host system control logic 308, and commands wirelesslytransmitted to the interchangeable module from an App running onsmartphone 10 are able to cause NO reed relay 216 to close, therebytriggering control logic 308 to perform a function in host device 300.By way of example only, if host device were a garage door mechanism,smartphone 10 could cause NO reed relay 216 to pulse closed then openagain. Control logic 308 could interpret each pulse as a command to openor close a garage door, working in the same way as a wall mounted buttonusually installed within a garage, or the open/close button on awireless clicker or remote.

It can be appreciated that the use of NO reed relay 216 is a very simplecontrol mechanism and that more complex implementations of the externaldata and control bus with a host device 300 are possible.

In one preferred embodiment, pins 2 and 3 of the USB Standard Type Aplug and receptacle could preferably form a serial data bus, therebysignificantly expanding the amount of data that can be exchanged betweenan interchangeable module and central control unit of a host device.Asynchronous signalling methods and protocols, similar to that used bydial-up modems, through to high speed packet data techniques used bycertified USB devices or similar could be supported.

In another preferred embodiment, USB Standard Type A plug and receptaclemay be substituted by a USB micro-B USB 3.0 plug and receptacle thatprovides ten physical connections between a host device andinterchangeable module. Without limiting the scope of the presentdisclosure, a pin can be allocated for Vcc and two pins for ground,leaving seven signal interconnections that can provide simple controlsignals for level sensitive exchange of information through to a mixtureof serial and parallel data transfers depending on the application.

In another preferred embodiment, it may be desirable to position theinterchangeable module a significant distance from the host device. Thiscould be accomplished by using balanced drivers and receivers as anelectrical interface. For short distances, simple CMOS electricalinterfaces may be adequate. By using data transmission interfaces suchas RS-485, it could be possible to separate the interchangeable moduleand host device up to 1200 meters and still maintain a baud rate of 100kbits/sec if needed.

In one preferred embodiment, a host device may simultaneously supportmultiple interchangeable modules through a number of interfaceconnections. This would allow a host device to accept commands from anumber of interchangeable modules where each may be configured for aspecific smartphone model or operating system, thereby allowing multiplesmartphones with different communications capabilities, requirements orrestrictions to talk to the same host device.

While USB connectors offer a convenient interface, the presentdisclosure is not so limited. It will be appreciated that theinterconnection methods between an interchangeable module and host maybe performed by a range of different plug and receptacle types withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, themotherboard/daughterboard connection system common to Personal Computerscould be used where preferably the interchangeable module would be aprinted circuit board assembly incorporating etched fingers whichinterconnect to the host system via a suitable mating connector. Amotherboard/daughterboard connection system would be understood bypractitioners skilled in electronics systems interconnection methods

FIG. 4 is a system pictorial representation of a Wi-Fi WLAN which has anaccess point 400 as the network control unit or hub. Access point 400has an Internet connection 402. Wirelessly connected to access point 400are shown five network clients, although the number of network clientsis only limited by the capabilities of access point 400. The network,for example, can have access point 400, network client 404 (smart TV),network client 406 (computer) and network client 408 (printer).

All communications over the WLAN preferably pass through access point400. For smartphone 10 and interchangeable module 200 to communicatewith each other, they must be part of the same network. As shown in FIG.4, smartphone 10 and interchangeable module 200 are network clients ofaccess point 400. For smartphone 10 to communicate with interchangeablemodule 200, it would communicate with access point 400 which would passany messages from smartphone 10 onto interchangeable module 200. Thesame happens for any messages computer 406 sends to interchangeablemodule 200. Accordingly, it can be seen that: (1) access point 400continuously operates for the network to be available forcommunications; (2) the network is limited to an area which is definedby the maximum radio transmission distance between a network client andthe access point; (3) a network requires an access point and at leastone network client; and (4) at least one network client must be able toconfigure and maintain the access point operations.

Instead of communicating through a Wi-Fi WLAN, interchangeable module200 may be configured to establish a peer-to-peer communications linkwith smartphone 10 as shown in FIG. 4, thereby bypassing the WLAN. Inthat instance, smartphone 10 can wirelessly connect directly tointerchangeable module 200 without requiring the services of anyadditional device. If smartphone 10 is also a Wi-Fi Direct device, itcan negotiate with interchangeable module 200 to determine which of themwill be the group owner. The access point/group owner can set up 1:Nconnections if allowed so that more than one client could have acommunications link with the group owner at the same time, for example,in a hub and spoke arrangement where the access point/group owner is thehub. Accordingly, it can be seen that: (1) a third device such as accesspoint 400 is not required for peer-to-peer communications to beestablished; (2) the communications link may be formed on an “as needed”basis; and (3) that smartphone 10 needs to be within radio range ofinterchangeable module 200 to establish a communications link.

It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a network Wi-Ficonnection and a Wi-Fi Direct peer-to-peer connection offer a differentmix of convenience and security. An interchangeable module operating asa network Wi-Fi device may be remotely controlled by a smartphone wherethe access point has an internet connection, however the interchangeablemodule then becomes exposed to the outside world and may be vulnerableto external threats such as hacking. Alternatively, a Wi-Fi Directconnection by virtue of its limited wireless range and peer-to-peerarchitecture offers a higher level of security because aninterchangeable module can only be controlled by a smartphone withinwireless range. The balance between convenience and security is usuallysubjective and dependant on the primary role of the host device.

By way of example only, controlling lights by smartphone using aninterchangeable module running as a network Wi-Fi device may be highlyconvenient with a low level of security risk even if the system werecompromised by an external attack. A garage door, by comparison, maypose a significant security risk if the system were compromised, makinga Wi-Fi Direct configuration of the interchangeable module moredesirable.

It can be appreciated that concurrent operation of Wi-Fi Direct andnetwork Wi-Fi in an interchangeable module is capable of supporting moreadvanced configurations. By way of example only, it may be desirable forinterchangeable module 200 to run concurrent Wi-Fi Direct and networkWi-Fi in a garage door mechanism, where opening and closing of the dooris limited to a Wi-Fi Direct connection while reporting the state of thedoor being open or closed can be transmitted via a network Wi-Ficonnection allowing a smartphone to remotely determine if a door is openor closed without allowing that remote connection to alter the state ofthe door.

In another example of using the interchangeable module in a dual accessmode, interchangeable module 200 may be configured to utilise networkWi-Fi to monitor and/or report the status of an alarm system in aresidential and/or commercial structure, while restricting access toactivate and/or deactivate the alarm system to communications usingWi-Fi Direct or another form of peer-to-peer communications wheredesirable.

The Product App preferably allows the user to choose their own desiredconfiguration of Wi-Fi Direct, network Wi-Fi or concurrent operation tobest suit their application and personal preference.

The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be variedconsiderably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.For example, the interchangeable module may be configured with theability to support multiple communications capabilities, requirements orrestrictions so that a single interchangeable module may be connected toa host and used to communicate with different smart phones havingdifferent operating standards.

Aspects of the systems and methods described herein may be used in avariety of environments. For example only, the systems and methodsdescribed herein can be adapted for use with lighting, gates, blinds,garage doors, fans, pools, timers, power outlets, consumer electronics,computers, vehicles, and air conditioning systems.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the disclosuredisclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of thedisclosure being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling an electrical apparatusthrough a wireless communications link with a personal controller, thepersonal controller having a processor, a user interface and a wirelesscommunications transceiver, the method comprising: inserting, into areceptacle configured to receive a plurality of pins, a device having aninterface connection with at least one signal pin, the device includinga radio transceiver, an aerial, an electrical and/or solid state relay,and a microcontroller configured to communicate with the personalcontroller using the radio transceiver; initiating in a first mode ofcommunication a two-way, peer-to-peer wireless communications linkbetween the personal controller and the device; receiving an instructionat the device to either: maintain the first mode of communicationbetween the device and the personal controller; or change to a secondmode of communication between the device and the personal controllerutilizing a non-peer-to-peer communications link; and receiving acommand at the device from the personal controller using one of themodes of communication to vary the supply of electricity to theelectrical apparatus.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the interfaceconnection of the device inserted into the receptacle includes at leasttwo power pins.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the interfaceconnection of the device inserted into the receptacle includes a USBplug configured to engage the receptacle of the electrical apparatus. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the initiation of the first mode includessimulating a Wi-Fi access point by the device.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the interface connection of the device inserted into thereceptacle is devoid of power pins.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first mode utilizes Wi-Fi Direct.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising powering the device from a power source independent of anypower source used to power the electrical apparatus.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the electrical apparatus is a pump.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the electrical apparatus is a lighting controller 10.The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical apparatus is an airconditioning unit.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the electricalapparatus is a garage door or gate opener.
 12. The method of claim 1,further comprising sending no data, but only an actuation signal to theelectrical apparatus using the signal pin to cause the electricalapparatus to perform a function in conformity with the instructionreceived from the personal controller.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the device always sends a discovery message to initiate contactwith the personal controller when operating in the first mode ofcommunication.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the second mode ofcommunication utilizes a WLAN.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein thefirst mode of communication is maintained between the device and thepersonal controller, further comprising denying the personal controlleraccess to the WLAN through the device.
 16. The method of claim 1,further comprising storing user-defined parameters into a non-volatilememory in the device, the user-defined parameters being loaded from thepersonal controller.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising usingthe microcontroller to set a unique Wi-Fi address ID for the device.